Mohammad Amir didn't deserve second chance: Kevin Pietersen

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen said cricketers who
have broken the rules should pay the price. He also warned England fans
against provoking a 'fast' Mohammad Amir in the four-Test series.

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ANI

Melbourne

July 12, 2016

UPDATED: July 12, 2016 14:45 IST

HIGHLIGHTS

Amir was banned for five years after he was involved in spot-fixing during Lord's Test of 2010

Amir came back to international cricket earlier this year in the series against New Zealand

They have broken the rules, should pay the price and not be given a second chance: Pietersen

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has joined the chorus of players who believe Mohammad Amir should have been given a lifetime ban for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal but warned his country's players and fans to sledge the left-handed pacer at their own peril.

Amir, along with former skipper Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, were then found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lord's Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal in February 2011. (Also read: Amir's return to Lord's will make me feel sick, says Swann)

'THEY SHOULD PAY THE PRICE'

Pietersen, who was among the England team that played the infamous Test, wrote in his latest column for a London-based daily that spot-fixers should be banned for life and that they should not be given a second chance. (Also read: Amir can lead Pakistan attack in England: Akram)

"They have broken the rules, should pay the price and not be given a second chance," Pietersen was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"If you cheat the system either by taking drugs or money to under-perform then you are mugging the spectators, your teammates and a sport that has been around a lot longer than you.

"People always deserve a second chance in life but sport is different.

"To try and gain an advantage by taking drugs or devaluing your sport by being bribed is breaking the 11th and 12th commandments. There can be no way back."

'GOING TO MAKE GREAT VIEWING'

The 36-year-old maverick batsman, however, doesn't expect the hosts to sledge Amir and warned local fans against provoking the Pakistan quick.

"He is just as quick, and as competitive as ever. He is verbal. He lets you know he is bowling at you. He will cop a load of stick off the English fans but he will not take a step back. It is going to make great viewing," Pietersen said.

"With guys like him verbals from the crowd or a bit of sledging from the opposition spurs him on to do great things so the fans will not be doing England any favours by giving him some abuse," he added.

His comments on the Pakistan bowler echo those of former England teammate Graeme Swann, who said that Amir's return at Lord's would make him feel sick.

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